摇钱树 (yáo qián shù) — (mythology) money tree; a legendary tree that showers coins when shaken; (figurative) cash cow; a steady source of income or wealth
Definition
A 'money tree': literally a mythical tree that drops coins when shaken, used figuratively for any person or thing seen as a steady source of cash. Often carries a slightly greedy or mercenary tone.
noun
(mythology) money treea legendary tree that showers coins when shaken(figurative) cash cowa steady source of income or wealth
Measure word · 棵
Examples
- 摇钱树，。Zhè ge xiàng mù chéng le gōng sī de yáo qián shù, měi nián dài lái shàng qiān wàn lì rùn.This project has become the company's cash cow, bringing in tens of millions in profit every year.
- ，摇钱树，。Chuán shuō zhōng, shuí yōng yǒu yáo qián shù, shuí jiù néng yí bèi zi bù chóu qián.According to legend, whoever owns the money tree will never worry about money for life.
- 摇钱树，。Bié zǒng bǎ fù mǔ dàng chéng yáo qián shù, tā men yě xū yào xiū xi.Don't always treat your parents like a cash cow — they need rest too.
Origin
Compound word构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head
The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.
摇 means shake, 钱 means money, and 树 means tree, giving a tree from which money is shaken.
Appears in
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